Home again

I just got home a couple of days ago (my original home that is- so number 1 of 3). I realized that it has been a long time since I blogged and I wanted to update those who used to be faithful readers.

The semester ended pretty well. I had some time to do some reflecting finals week and I realized that God has done a LOT in me and through me this semester. It really is a blessing and a priviledge to serve K-State Navs and ultimately Jesus on EDGE. I am encouraged to report that I spend time weekly with 2 new believers (1 next semester), 3 or so believers from my FC study or different upperclassman in the ministry, and 2 non-believers. I lead a FC Bible study and an IBD. AND I remember wondering if God would really give me things to fill my 40-60 hrs a week with. Well he certainly has and I certainly don't deserve it. I am pretty amazed. Beyond mere numbers though I am really excited about what God is doing in these people's lives. I have learned a lot about my place in ministry and being persistent to love non-believers. I am so thankful for the heart God has given me to serve Him and die to myself (although I definitely still fight it at times).

I wanted to share with you the biggest thing I have learned: it is in relation to non-believers. It is hard to spend time with non-believers. It takes looking past your own wants and even needs. It takes giving all of those things to Jesus. Non-believers are often rough and not the most loving or greatest friends that you will ever have. So I really think it takes intentionality to hang out with non-believers. At least for my personality type it does not come naturally. I like to hang out with people who make me feel good so I naturally spend my time with them. Well, non-believers are not always that way. SO, for me it takes intentionally dialouging with non-believers and pursuing spending time with them and having those awkward conversations. Also when it comes to hanging out with the lost, Ben D (my EDGE teammate) made a good observation. He said that the only thing that keeps any random person from being someone I would call a friend, is that we don't know each other. I know that sounds really elementary but think about it. Most people will be your friend if you just know them on any level (their name, recognize them, etc.). So, a lot of times to make friends with non-believers it means taking the initiative to know people I don't know. Hmmm... so simple yet so profound and SO hard to continually do.

Well,that is what I have been learning about ministry. Personally I have also been learning a lot but I am still processing exactly how to articulate that. Feel free to ask me if you see me. Also the lines between ministry and personal are very blurry perhaps indistinguishable and maybe they should be. Hmm... things to think about.

I am excited for break. I stayed in Manhattan until Friday night to go to my host brothers rehearsal dinner. It was such a privlidge to be a part of that night and for one of the first times in Manhattan I felt like I truly belonged there. Also, Friday night I went up to Lincoln and hung with tons of friends at Tracy's graduation party. It was really fun to see everyone; I didn't realize how much I missed all of them. It was weird to feel like the friend from out of town though. A lot has changed and at times I didn't know who the people they were discussing were or what the circumstances that came up were about. Crazy. It is also nuts that Tracy and Rachael are graduating. I want to throw a fit and tell people to stop moving away but that probably isn't very mature (or God-honoring) especially since I started the trend. Doesn't change the desire at times though. :)

I went to Amy Patras's wedding on Saturday afternoon. Again that was a good time to catch up with friends. I saw Jill and Rob's new house (in between the rehearsal and the reception) and got to talk to John and Kathy. It was sweet and soul refreshing on both accounts. Their shared experiences really encouraged me. Also the wedding was amazing. Amy and Jared said and demonstrated that their lives and marriage and wedding are not about them over and over again. I left giving glory to God and just excited for them. After the wedding, I hung with Sonya (It was very good to see her. Talking to her made me really sad that we didn't get to do it more though. As did most of my time in Lincoln) and then went back home.

Since getting back home, I have been spending good time with my parents and hopefully I will get the chance to catch up with friends too. A lot of people have said that they want to see me but I have actual plans with few. I talked to one of my FC girls on the phone last night and plan on calling a few others over break. It is always neat to see that ministry isn't just something that happens at K-State because it needs to but something that I really believe in and enjoy.
I hope that no matter where I am and whatever I do that I live my life to make God look good (as He is).

Well that is the marathon post that you have all been waiting for. I will try to update ya'll again soon (maybe even before break is over).